20 Songs That Redefined Electronic Dance Music Throughout the 2000s

Electronic music has always had a slow-growing community in the underground scene. Still, the explosion it saw throughout the early 2000s catapulted the entire genre into the mainstream and saw a meteoric rise in popularity in an incredibly short time. DJs went from booth-hiding nobody to mainstage superstars in as little as five years, and suddenly, it was “cool” to be a crate-digging music nerd! 

So let’s turn back the dial to the 2000s when electronic dance music (EDM) tracks weren’t just songs — they were revolutions per minute. This list is an ode to the 20 anthems that didn’t just fill dance floors but also reshaped the EDM landscape. From Daft Punk’s digital love to Avicii’s levels, we revisit the tracks that set a new tempo for a generation.

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Tiësto – Adagio for Strings (2004)

Tiësto, a Dutch DJ and producer, turned heads with his interpretation of Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” in 2004. His trance remix took a classical music piece and reimagined it within the frame of electronic music, highlighting the genre’s versatility and creativity. With its sweeping crescendos and electrifying rhythm, the track became a festival anthem, significantly shaping the trance scene. 

It demonstrated the limitless potential of electronic music and brought classical tunes to the dancefloor, bridging the gap between the two genres. And while many dance music lovers and trance enthusiasts will be quick to say that Tiesto has changed, for he certainly has gone far more commercial since his In Search Of Sunrise days, it’s hard to deny this guy’s impact on the larger community overall. 

Deadmau5 – Strobe (2009)

“Strobe,” released in 2009, has become the king of online trolling’s, AKA Deadmau5′, a signature track and a highlight of progressive house music. Characterized by its slow, mesmerizing build-up leading to a euphoric climax, it showcases Deadmau5’s proficiency in creating compelling soundscapes. 

The track’s broad appeal has influenced countless producers, making it a key reference point in electronic music production. Its lasting popularity keeps it in high rotation on playlists worldwide, affirming Deadmau5’s influential status in the electronic music industry. Despite his internet-troll aesthetic and snarky sense of online humor that is offputting to many, he has remained a mainstay in the cultural conversation around dance music as a producer who does his own thing regardless of who’s chiming in. 

Justice – D.A.N.C.E (2007)

“D.A.N.C.E,” released by French duo Justice in 2007, epitomizes the intersection of rock and electronic music. Its foot-tapping basslines, infectious vocals, and playful fusion of various elements encapsulate a unique sound that helped shape the electro-house genre. 

Its commercial success and cultural influence highlighted how electronic music could seamlessly blend with other genres, significantly broadening its appeal. Even today, the track inspires artists to push boundaries and experiment with sound.

Skrillex – Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites (2010)

When Skrillex released “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” in 2010, and has since been covered countless times to varying levels of success, dubstep became a turning point. Its aggressive bass drops, frenetic rhythms, and creative sampling techniques showed how raw energy could be harmonized with melodic elements. The track’s success helped push dubstep into the mainstream, influencing a new wave of producers to explore this intense, bass-heavy genre. 

Skrillex’s impact on this track is seen in how dubstep’s sound and style evolve in today’s music.

Moby – Porcelain (2000)

Moby’s “Porcelain,” released in 2000, stands out for its fusion of downtempo, ambient, and electronic music. The gentle, haunting melodies and Moby’s emotive vocals demonstrated the genre’s versatility and depth. This track’s success showed how electronic music could explore themes of vulnerability and melancholy, influencing countless artists in the downtempo and ambient genres and showcased the artist as a pinnacle of artistic integrity in the music industry and throughout his career.

Knife Party – Internet Friends (2011)

“Internet Friends,” released by Knife Party in 2011, is a distinct example of the aggressive electro-house that characterized the early 2010s. With its edgy sound design and provocative narrative, this track heralded a new era of hard-hitting electronic music. 

Knife Party’s intense sound design and blasting synths used in their tracks acted almost as a poster child for what EDM was at the time, which likely caused many upturned noses by the genre’s purists. Still, the energy they brought to the countless sets I saw by them in our early raving days was second to none.

Swedish House Mafia – One (Your Name) (2010)

Swedish House Mafia’s “One (Your Name),” released in 2010, took the world by storm with its anthemic sound. The blend of catchy synth riffs, a hard-hitting bassline, and Pharrell Williams’ distinctive vocals resulted in a track that quickly became a global hit. Its success highlighted the appeal of progressive house music, leading the way for future artists in the genre. 

The track’s widespread popularity also helped secure Swedish House Mafia’s place as one of the most influential acts in electronic music. Despite the group’s multiple retirements since the track came out, it remains one of their go-to tracks to play and rinse. 

Eric Prydz – Call on Me (2004)

Eric Prydz’s “Call on Me,” released in 2004, is a classic dance track that uses a sample from Steve Winwood’s “Valerie” to create an addictive rhythm. Its catchy hooks and infectious energy captured listeners worldwide, dominating global charts and cementing Prydz’s status as a leading figure in the electronic music scene. 

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The track’s commercial success demonstrated the viability of electronic music within mainstream music markets. It also inspired a generation of producers to experiment with sampling in electronic dance music.

Bassnectar – Bass Head (2010)

Bassnectar’s “Bass Head,” released in 2010, served as a defining track in the bass music scene. The track is characterized by intricate rhythms, heavy bass, and creative use of samples pushing electronic music’s sonic boundaries. Its energy and depth of sound helped shape the future of the bass music scene, influencing countless artists in the genre. The track also solidified Bassnectar’s status as a pioneer in bass music at the time. However, allegations and many other negative headlines surrounding the artist seemed to have taken down the artist’s place on the podium.

The Chemical Brothers – Galvanize (2005)

“Galvanize,” by The Chemical Brothers, released in 2005, is a compelling blend of electronic music and Middle Eastern influences. The track’s unique sound design and unconventional rhythm structures serve as a testament to the unlimited creative possibilities of electronic music. Its broad appeal and global success solidified The Chemical Brothers’ reputation as musical innovators. 

The track continues to inspire electronic music producers to explore diverse musical influences in their work.

Benny Benassi – Satisfaction (2002)

Benny Benassi’s “Satisfaction,” released in 2002, became a global phenomenon with its iconic synth line and irresistible rhythm. The track’s success helped cement Benassi’s status in the industry and contributed significantly to shaping the electro-house genre. Its unique sound design and catchy hook made it a club favorite, influencing countless artists and producers.

The track’s lasting influence is seen in how its distinctive sound continues to be replicated and referenced in electronic music.

Pendulum – Tarantula (2005)

“Tarantula,” released by Pendulum in 2005, was a defining moment in the evolution of drum and bass. The band’s integration of electronic and rock elements created a unique sound that redefined what drum and bass could be. 

The track’s success demonstrated the potential of cross-genre experimentation in electronic music, influencing future drum and bass acts like Netsky and Sub Focus. The track remains a classic in the genre, with its innovative sound continuing to inspire artists today.

Armin van Buuren – In and Out of Love (2008)

“In and Out of Love,” released by Armin van Buuren in 2008, is a beloved trance anthem. The track, featuring Sharon den Adel’s vocals, combined uplifting melodies with high-energy synths, creating a powerful emotional resonance. Its success helped cement van Buuren’s place in the trance scene and demonstrated the genre’s potential for emotive musical expression. 

Aphex Twin – Windowlicker (2000)

Aphex Twin’s “Windowlicker,” released in 2000, is a masterpiece of experimental electronic music. The track, characterized by its complex rhythmic structures and unconventional soundscapes, demonstrated Aphex Twin’s unique musical vision. It cemented his status as an innovator and inspired many artists to experiment and push the boundaries of electronic music.

Burial – Archangel (2007)

“Archangel,” released by Burial in 2007, brought a fresh, atmospheric sound to the UK electronic music scene. The track’s deep, bass-heavy sound and creative use of vocal samples were key to shaping the future garage and post-dubstep scenes. 

Its unique sonic aesthetic continues to inspire artists, and its influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary electronic musicians. 

Daft Punk – Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (2001)

“Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” released by Daft Punk in 2001, is known for its innovative use of vocoders and catchy hooks. With its unique sound design and infectious rhythm, the track became a cultural phenomenon, influencing both electronic and mainstream music. 

It demonstrated Daft Punk’s ability to create tracks that were successful in clubs and had broad mainstream appeal. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Daft Punk’s significant influence on the music of the 2000s.

Avicii – Levels (2011)

Avicii’s “Levels,” released in 2011, was a game-changer for electronic music, propelling the genre into mainstream consciousness. Its infectious melody, high-energy house rhythm, and soulful vocals sampled from Etta James made it a global hit. The track’s commercial success demonstrated the growing appeal of electronic dance music, influencing a new wave of producers. No list like this would be complete without the legend’s most significant work, which dominated the industry and can still be heard on many radio stations today.

The Prodigy – Smack My Bitch Up (2000)

“Smack My Bitch Up,” by The Prodigy, released in 2000, is a fusion of electronic music with punk and rock elements. The track helped bring a big beat into the mainstream and solidified The Prodigy’s reputation as musical innovator. It’s aggressive energy and distinctive sound design significantly impacted the electronic music scene, influencing various artists across genres. The track remains a classic in electronic music, celebrated for its bold sound and enduring influence.

Kaskade – I Remember (with Deadmau5) (2008)

“I Remember,” released by Kaskade and Deadmau5 in 2008, is a defining track in the progressive house genre. The track’s immersive chords and hypnotic vocals introduced a more melodic, emotive side to house music. Its success demonstrated the potential for emotional depth in electronic music, influencing a generation of producers. 

The track remained a classic in the progressive house genre and helped usher in the melodic and deeper sounds of dance music into the cultural zeitgeist.

Gorillaz – Clint Eastwood (2001)

“Clint Eastwood,” by Gorillaz, released in 2001, is a perfect blend of electronic, hip-hop, and rock. Its innovative use of different genres and its impact on mainstream music makes it one of the most influential tracks of the 2000s. The track’s success helped cement Gorillaz’s reputation as musical innovator, influencing various artists across genres. It’s one of the band’s most famous hits, and many 30-somethings like me still bust this track out as their go-to karaoke song on Friday nights. 

Calvin Harris – Feel So Close (2011)

“Feel So Close,” released by Calvin Harris in 2011, is a final track in the evolution of electronic dance music. This anthemic track, characterized by its infectious rhythm, memorable hooks, and Harris’s vocals, brought a sense of intimacy to the typically faceless genre. Its commercial success highlighted the mainstream appeal of electronic music, helping to solidify EDM as a dominant genre in the music industry. Even today, its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, and its popularity on the dance floor remains unabated.

Cheesy and corny by today’s standards, at the time this track was inescapable and one of the biggest records of the decade (so much so that we’re still talking about, albeit saving it for the final thing to include on this list).